If someone boasts about their accomplishments, you know they’re proud. If someone looks down on you, you know they feel superior.

That’s the basic gist of dealing with a narcissist.

But the human psyche is a labyrinth, and navigating a narcissist’s mind can be even more challenging.

It requires an extra measure of perceptiveness to spot the subtler signs that a narcissist thinks they’re better than you.

Psychology has identified eight such signs. Let’s delve into them.

1) Grandiosity is their middle name

Narcissists love themselves, and they’re not shy about it.

They’re constantly trying to project an image of superiority and perfection, and they do this by exaggerating their achievements, talents, and importance.

It’s like they’re on a permanent stage, performing a one-man or one-woman show where they are the star.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just about self-love. It’s about them thinking they’re better than you, and everyone else for that matter.

They have an inflated sense of self-importance that often borders on grandiose.

And that’s your first clue.

If you notice this in someone, it’s a subtle sign that they may be a narcissist who thinks they’re superior to you.

It’s not always easy to spot, but once you do, it’s hard to ignore.

2) They dismiss your feelings

This one hits close to home for me. I remember a friend of mine, or at least someone I thought was a friend.

Every time I tried to share something that was troubling me, they would dismiss my feelings outright.

They’d wave it off with a “you’re overreacting” or “it’s not that big of a deal”.

The message was clear: my feelings, my concerns, my experiences were not important to them. At least, not as important as their own.

In hindsight, this was an obvious sign of their narcissism.

They believed their experiences, their emotions were superior and more valid than mine.

If someone dismisses your feelings frequently, you could be dealing with a narcissist who thinks they’re better than you.

It’s a subtle sign, but very telling once you see it.

3) They monopolize conversations

Ever been stuck in a conversation that feels more like a monologue?

Narcissists have a knack for turning discussions into solo performances, often making themselves the main topic.

Narcissists use conversations as a platform to boost their ego and assert their perceived superiority.

They dominate the dialogue, rarely allowing others to share or express their thoughts.

If you find someone consistently steering conversations back to themselves, they might just be a narcissist who thinks they’re better than you.

4) They constantly belittle others

Narcissists have a habit of belittling others to make themselves look superior.

It’s a twisted game they play, where they demean and devalue others to elevate their own status.

This belittling can take many forms – from outright insults to subtle jabs, from sarcasm to back-handed compliments.

If you notice someone frequently putting others down, especially in a way that makes them look better in comparison, it’s quite possible that you’re dealing with a narcissist who believes they’re superior to you.

5) They never admit they’re wrong

This one is particularly frustrating. In my experience, narcissists seem to have an allergy to admitting they’re wrong.

It’s as if their inflated sense of self-worth can’t handle the blow.

I’ve dealt with individuals who, even when faced with undeniable evidence, refuse to back down or concede.

Instead, they twist the narrative, deflect blame, and sometimes even attack those who dare to challenge them.

If you’ve ever tried arguing with someone who simply won’t admit their mistakes, chances are you’ve encountered a narcissist who thinks they’re better than you.

It’s a subtle sign, but it speaks volumes about their character.

6) They’re overly charming

Here’s something you might not expect – narcissists can be incredibly charming.

It’s part of their arsenal, a tactic they use to draw people in.

Their charisma can be intoxicating, making you feel special and valued. But don’t be fooled.

This charm often serves a purpose – to manipulate others and maintain their sense of superiority.

If someone’s charm feels too good to be true, it might be a sign they’re a narcissist who thinks they’re better than you.

It might be hard to spot, but once you do, it can change your perspective entirely.

7) They’re competitive to a fault

Healthy competition can be a good thing. It can push us to be better, to strive for improvement.

But with narcissists, competition takes on a whole new level.

Narcissists are perpetually in a contest, not just to be good, but to be the best. And not just the best, but better than you.

They see every interaction as a zero-sum game where there can only be one winner – them.

If someone always needs to “win”, regardless of the situation, it might be a sign of a narcissist who believes they’re superior to you.

It’s subtle, but once you notice it, it’s hard to overlook.

8) They lack empathy

At the heart of narcissism lies a stark lack of empathy. Narcissists struggle to understand or share the feelings of others.

They’re often so absorbed in their own world, their own superiority, that they fail to acknowledge the experiences and emotions of those around them.

If someone consistently shows a lack of understanding or disregard for your feelings, it’s a strong sign they’re a narcissist who thinks they’re better than you.

This lack of empathy, more than anything else, reveals their true nature.

Understanding narcissism

The journey into understanding narcissism can be a challenging one, but it’s crucial.

Recognizing these subtle signs is the first step towards making sense of your interaction with a narcissist.

Remember, narcissism isn’t just about self-love. It’s an inflated sense of self-importance that often comes at the expense of others.

Being aware of this dynamic can change how you navigate your relationships.

So take a moment to reflect on the people in your life.

The subtle signs may not be glaringly obvious, but they’re there, whispering the truth about the nature of the narcissist.

And now, you know what to listen for.

Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s the power to understand and protect yourself from those who think they’re better than you.

It’s the power to navigate your relationships with more clarity and confidence.

And that, dear reader, is a power worth having.